Fumigant Action of Acrolein on Insects and Seed Viability

Abstract

In laboratory experiments toxicity of acrolein vapors was investigated against 4 species of stored-product insects. In empty-space trials, estimated of the median lethal dosages of acrolein against adults of Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), were 1.87, 2.35, 3.12 and 6.65 mg L(-1), respectively. Penetration tests revealed that acrolein vapors could penetrate into the wheat mass and kill concealed insects in interkernel spaces. Comparison of LC50 values between empty-space tests and penetration experiments after 24 h exposure indicated that the increase in penetration toxicity was 6.34, 6.31, 7.17 and 4.54-fold for O. surinamensis, S. oryzae, R. dominica and T. castaneum, respectively. In the hidden infestation trials, the acrolein vapors destroyed all the developmental stages of S. oryzae and R. dominica concealed inside the wheat kernels, resulted in a complete control with dosage of 80 mg L(-1) for 24 h and subsequently observed during 8 weeks after the exposure. Wheat germination rate was diminished by fumigation with acrolein. The plumule length was reduced following exposure to all dosages of acrolein. It is concluded that acrolein could be considered as a potential compound for empty-space fumigations.